U.S. patent application number 13/912783 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for water tank for use with a solar air conditioning system.
The applicant listed for this patent is RALPH MUSCATELL. Invention is credited to RALPH MUSCATELL.
Application Number | 20130340975 13/912783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44910859 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130340975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MUSCATELL; RALPH |
December 26, 2013 |
WATER TANK FOR USE WITH A SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Abstract
A water tank for use in air-conditioning and/or heating systems
and includes a container capable of storing at least one thousand
gallons of a fluid. An evaporator coil is disposed within the
container and the fluid contained within the container. The
evaporator can consist as part of a refrigerant circuit. A pickup
radiator coil is also disposed within the container and fluid. The
pickup radiator coil can consist as part of a chilled water air
conditioning water system for a dwelling. The water tank can be
insulated. The fluid stored within said container can be a mixture
of water and anti-freeze.
Inventors: |
MUSCATELL; RALPH; (FORT
LAUDERDALE, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MUSCATELL; RALPH |
FORT LAUDERDALE |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44910859 |
Appl. No.: |
13/912783 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13786579 |
Mar 6, 2013 |
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13912783 |
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12945937 |
Nov 15, 2010 |
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13786579 |
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12249071 |
Oct 10, 2008 |
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12945937 |
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12249201 |
Oct 10, 2008 |
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12249071 |
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11671547 |
Feb 6, 2007 |
7451611 |
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12249201 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
165/104.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 23/74 20180501;
Y02E 10/40 20130101; Y02E 10/44 20130101; F24S 10/744 20180501;
F24F 5/0046 20130101; Y02B 10/20 20130101; F24S 2080/011 20180501;
Y02A 30/272 20180101; F24S 90/00 20180501; F24S 23/71 20180501;
F25B 27/005 20130101; F28D 1/0206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/104.19 |
International
Class: |
F28D 1/02 20060101
F28D001/02 |
Claims
1. A water tank for use in air-conditioning or heating system,
comprising: a container storing at least one thousand gallons of a
fluid; an evaporator coil disposed within the container and fluid,
said evaporator consisting as part of a refrigerant circuit; and a
pickup radiator coil disposed within the container and fluid, said
pickup radiator coil consisting as part of a chilled water air
conditioning water system for a dwelling.
2. The water tank of claim 1 wherein said container is
insulated.
3. The water tank of claim 1 wherein said fluid stored within said
container is a mixture of water and anti-freeze.
4. The water tank of claim 2, wherein said container is insulated
by burying the container beneath ground level.
5. The water tank of claim 1 wherein said container is greater in
height than width.
6. The water tank of claim 1 wherein said container storing, about
2000 gallons of fluid.
7. The water tank of claim 1 further comprising a temperature
sensor disposed within said container for determining when to turn
on a compressor motor component of the air conditioning system,
8. The water tank of claim 1 wherein said water contained within
the container is stored within a temperature range of about
32.degree. F to about 12.degree. F.
9. The water tank of claim 1 further comprising art amount of water
stored within the pickup radiator coil which is chilled by the
temperature of the water stored by said container.
10. The water tank of claim 9 wherein the amount of water stored
within the pickup radiator coil is isolated from and does not
contact the water stored by said container.
11. A water tank for use in air-conditioning or heating system,
comprising: an insulated container storing at least one thousand
gallons of a fluid comprised of a mixture of water and anti-freeze,
said container greater in height than width; an evaporator coil
disposed within the container and fluid, said evaporator consisting
as part of a refrigerant circuit; and a pickup radiator coil
disposed within the container and fluid, said pickup radiator coil
consisting as part of a chilled water air conditioning. water
system fur a dwelling; wherein said water contained, within the
container is stored within a temperature range of about 32.degree.
F to about 12.degree. F.
12. The water tank of claim 11, wherein said container is insulated
by burying the container beneath ground level.
13. The water tank of claim 11, wherein said container storing
about 2000 gallons of the fluid.
14. The water tank of claim 11 further comprising an amount of
water stored within the pickup radiator coil which is chilled by
the temperature of the water stored by said container; wherein the
amount of water stored within the pickup radiator coil is isolated
from and does not contact the water stored by said container.
15. The water tank of claim 11 further comprising a temperature
sensor disposed within said container for determining when to turn
on a compressor motor component of the solar air conditioning
system.
16. A water tank for use in an air-conditioning or heating system,
comprising: a container sized to store about one thousand gallons
or more of a fluid; about one thousand gallons or more of a mixture
of water and anti-freeze disposed within said container, said
container greater in height than width; an evaporator coil disposed
within the container and fluid, said evaporator consisting as part
of a refrigerant circuit; a first piping member having an inlet and
at least partially disposed within the container, said first piping
member inlet serving as the water entry point for a chilled water
air conditioning system for a dwelling; a second piping member
having an outlet and at least partially disposed within the
container, said second piping member serving as the container
return point for the water circulated through the air conditioning
system; and a water pump for circulating the water entering, the
air conditioning system from the container through the first piping
member inlet.
17. The water tank of claim 16, wherein said container is insulated
by burying the container beneath ground level.
18. The water tank of claim 16, wherein said container sized to
store about 2000 gallons of the fluid.
19. The water tank of claim 16, wherein said water contained within
the container is stored within a temperature range of about
32.degree. F to about 12.degree. F.
20. The water tank of claim 16 further comprising a temperature
sensor disposed within said container for determining when to turn
on a compressor motor component of the air conditioning system.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/786,579, filed Mar. 6, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/945,937, filed Nov. 15, 2010, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/249,201, filed
Oct. 10, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/249,071, filed Oct. 10, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/671,547, tiled Feb. 6, 2007, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,451,611, issued Nov. 18, 2008, which claims the benefit
of and priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/853,531, filed Oct.
23, 2006. All above-identified applications are incorporated by
reference in their entireties as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to air conditioning
systems and particularly to a solar air conditioning system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] High electricity bills from air conditioning and/or heating
use for a dwelling are common and reoccurring. Additionally, the
manufacture of energy at a power plant causes pollution to be
released in the air. Furthermore, electricity availability in
undeveloped countries, as well as remote locations in developed
countries, may be scarce, on limited basis or often non-existent.
As a result, these locations are unable to store foods and liquids
requiring refrigeration due to the lack of electricity. For
undeveloped countries the lack of electricity is a factor in the
poverty, hunger and lack of nourishment for its citizens. It is to
these problems that the present invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally provide a solar
air-conditioning system that is preferably designed to operate with
concentrated solar heat supplemented with solar electric
cells/battery and if necessary, power from an electric utility
grid. The unit of heat added or subtracted is a British Thermal
Unit ("BTU"), which is defined as the amount of heat to raise one
pound of water one (1.degree.) degree Fahrenheit. With excess
capacity preferably designed in, unused BTUs can go into reserve
for night and cloudy days. The present invention system can use a
circulating refrigerant such as, but not limited to, Freon or
ammonia in a cycle of compression and expansion. Solar
concentrators can raise temperature and pressure of the
refrigerant. The raised temperature can be dissipated to the
atmosphere and the refrigerant proceeds to the evaporator coil. The
evaporator can be located within a water tank containing an
anti-freeze water solution. Preferably, the water tank contains at
least approximately 1000 gallons of the anti-freeze water solution.
The water is preferably the storage medium. Heat can be added to or
extracted from the storage medium by the evaporator coil.
[0005] Preferably, also within the water tank can be a radiator
type pickup coil. The pickup coil can be part of a separate chilled
water system which can circulate its own water supply through
radiators located throughout a building, dwelling, house, etc. (all
collectively referred to as "dwelling"). The temperature within
this separate system can be the temperature of the water within the
tank by simple conduction.
[0006] The refrigerant system can include a supplemental compressor
which can be electrically driven from one or more, and preferably a
plurality or bank of solar electric cells or the power grid. The
refrigerant system can also include one way direction positive
displacement rotary valves which can serve to insure proper gas
direction and can also provide a mechanical link to the energy in
the refrigerant circuit. This mechanical link can be used to power
a generator or a fluid pump. When in solar heat mode, certain
bypass valves within the refrigerant system allow switching to
solar heating. When in this mode the generator may be electrically
switched to function as a motor to assist the circulation of the
refrigerant.
[0007] The present invention can also be used for or applicable to
large area coolers or refrigerators and provides a device which can
provide refrigeration to areas where electricity is not present or
available.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic/flow diagram of a first embodiment for
the present invention system;
[0009] FIG. 2 is schematic/flow diagram of a portion of a second
embodiment for the present invention system;
[0010] FIG. 3 is schematic/flow diagram of a portion of a third
embodiment for the present invention system;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of one bypass valve (which is used
when switching to solar heat mode) that can be used in accordance
with the present invention system,
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a first embodiment for an expansion
valve that can be used in accordance with the present invention
system;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic of a second embodiment for the
expansion valve in accordance with the present invention
system;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a third embodiment for the
expansion valve in accordance with the present invention
system;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a diagram for allowing a condenser coil of the
present invention system to dissipate heat to water circulated over
its surface;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a solar concentrator which
can be used with the present invention system;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of rotary valve that can be
used with the present invention system;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the inner cylinder for the
rotary valve FIG. 10;
[0019] FIGS. 12 through 16 illustrated alternative concentrators
that can be used with the present invention system;
[0020] FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic/flow diagram of another
embodiment for the present invention system; and.
[0021] FIG. 18 is an alternative embodiment for the water tank in
accordance with he present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] As seen best in FIG. 1 a solar air-conditioning system is
illustrated and generally referenced as system 10. System 10
includes one or more solar concentrators 20 and preferably a
plurality of concentrators 20 preferably arranged in a parallel
configuration or communication with each other. Concentrator(s) 20
capture energy from the sun raising the temperature and pressure of
the refrigerant within the pipe, tubing, plumbing, conduits, hoses,
etc. (all collectively referred to as "pipe" or "piping") at the
focal point. Though not considered limiting, the refrigerant can be
Freon or ammonia gas. All of the pipe, valves, components, etc. of
the present invention are preferably connected to each other
through conventional connectors, fasteners, etc.
[0023] The refrigerant within the pipe proceeds or otherwise
travels to the one or more heat dissipaters, commonly known as
condensers 30, which can be large area condensers. The number of
condensers 30 can correspond to the number of concentrators
provided for system 10. Condensers 30 dissipate heat from the
heated refrigerant to the atmosphere. In one embodiment, condenser
30 can be approximately the size of its corresponding concentrator
20 in length and width and affixed to concentrator 20 with a
spacing measurement between concentrator 20 and condenser 30
preferably within twelve (12'') inches of each other. However such
spacing measurement is not considered limited to within twelve
(12'') inches and other values can be used and are considered
within the scope of the invention.
[0024] In an alternative embodiment, condenser 30 can be a single
stand alone unit, which can include an electrically driven fan
similar to conventional condensers. Thus, FIG. 1 illustrates
multiple condensers, whereas FIG. 3 illustrates a single condenser
coil 260.
[0025] After leaving condenser(s) 30, the refrigerant proceeds
through a one direction valve 40. In a preferred embodiment, the
one direction valve can be a "high side" positive displacement one
direction rotary valve. Valve 40 assures that the refrigerant
proceeds in the proper direction through the refrigerant circuit.
As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a plurality of vanes are
provided within the valve housing, which are moved by the
circulating refrigerant (a portion of the refrigerant within the
valve is shown in shading/hatched lines between two of the vanes).
Valve 40 can also provide a mechanical link 60 to the energy
produced by the moving refrigerant. The mechanical link can be used
to drive a generator, water circulation pump and/or other
device.
[0026] From valve 40, the refrigerant travels to an evaporator 80
which is preferably fitted with an expansion valve 90. In the
preferred embodiment, expansion valve 90 can be an electronically
controlled valve, though such is not considered limiting. FIGS. 5
through 7 provides further details on various non-limiting
expansion valve embodiments that can be used with the present
invention system or circuit.
[0027] Valve 90 is controlled based on the pressures contained
within the refrigerant circuit which can vary as the solar energy
varies. The expanding refrigerant within evaporator 80 removes the
heat from the coil and medium surrounding evaporator 80.
Preferably, evaporator 80 can be disposed within a water tank 100.
Water tank 100 is preferably large enough in size to hold a large
amount of a liquid, such as, but not limited to, approximately two
thousand (2000) gallons of the liquid. However, other size water
tanks can be used and are considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0028] Preferably, the liquid 106 contained within water tank 100
can be a mixture of water and anti-freeze. Preferably, water tank
100 can be insulated, such as, but not limited to, burying water
tank 100 beneath ground level. Additionally, water tank 100 can be
greater in height than width to operate co-operatively with
temperature stratification. As such, heat can be removed from many
gallons of water, which a non-limiting example is shown by the
following factoid using a non-limiting 2000 gallon water tank
100:
[0029] British Thermal Unit ("BTU"). 1 BTU=1 pound of water
1.degree. F
[0030] Water=8 pounds per gallon; 1 cubic foot=7.4$ gallons 60
pounds of water.
[0031] 134 cubic feet--8018 pounds of water.
[0032] Non-limiting Tank 100 dimensions: 4.2 ft.times.8 ft.times.8
ft=269 cu, ft=2000 gallons
[0033] 2000 gallons 16,000 pounds 16,000 BTU per degree
Fahrenheit.
[0034] 32.degree. F to 12.degree. F=20.degree. F
[0035] 20.degree. F.times.16,000 BTU=320,000 BTU
[0036] 320,000 BTU/20,000 BTU hour=16 hours reserve.
[0037] Solar Power:
[0038] 200 BTU/square foot/hour around solar noon.
[0039] 20,000 BTU's per 100 square feet
[0040] 40,000 BTU's per 200 square feet
[0041] Non-limiting Solar Concentrator 20 dimensions: each 2
ft..times.10 ft. 20 square it
[0042] 10 units=200 square ft=40,000 BTU/hour
[0043] The refrigerant exits from evaporator 80 and is directed to
a second one directional valve 110, which again can be a positive
displacement one direction rotary valve. Valve 110 can have a
larger positive displacement chamber as compared to valve 40 since
it may be working with lower pressures, and thus in the preferred
embodiment, can be considered a low pressure valve. Valve 110 can
also have a mechanical link 62 and can be (though not required)
mechanically linked with valve 40, as illustrated in FIG. 1. By
linking valves 40 and 110 together, stability can be provided to
the refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, the rotation of valves 40 and
110 can derive rotational mechanical energy which can be utilized
to drive a generator, water circulation pump, etc, and is
illustrated with a generator or water pump 112. The vanes of valves
40 and 110 can be spring loaded.
[0044] The refrigerant then is directed from valve 110 to a
preferably commonly connected balancing valve 120 and/or as an
inlet to compressor 140. System balancing valve 120 can have a
first inlet valve 122 which can constitute the primary circuit for
the refrigerant and a second inlet valve 124 which is in
communication with the outlet of compressor 140. Refrigerant
travels through balancing valve 120 to one direction or one-way
valve 150 where it proceeds to solar concentrator(s) 20 to restart
the cycle.
[0045] Compressor 140 can be driven by a conventional compressor
motor 144. Thus, when there is insufficient solar energy (cloudy
day, etc.), system 10 (such as through one or more sensors provided
in the circuit) can sense or otherwise determine to activate motor
144 to electrically drive compressor 140. In one non-limiting
example, a temperature sensor can be disposed within the water tank
for determining when to turn motor 1144 on. Additionally, pressure
sensors or other devices can also be used for this purpose.
Pressurized refrigerant from compressor 140 can proceed through
second inlet valve 124 on the balancing valve to one direction
valve 150. Where a temperature sensor is provided within water tank
100, compressor 140 can be activated at predetermine temperatures
through its connection to a conventional switcher (not shown in
FIG. 1 but can be similar to the switch control shown in FIG. 2).
In one non-limiting example, the predetermined temperature can be
anywhere in the range of about 32.degree. F. to about 12.degree. F.
However, other temperature values can be used and are considered
within the scope of the invention.
[0046] The present invention can store air conditioning energy in
the form of chilled water, which can be below the freezing point of
32.degree. F, and preferably within the temperature range of
32.degree. F to 12.degree. F or about 32.degree. F to about
12.degree. F. However, the present invention is not limited to this
specific range and other ranges can be chosen and are within the
scope of the invention.
[0047] Balancing valve 120 can be constructed such that there is
linkage between first inlet valve 122 and second inlet valve 124.
Thus, first inlet valve 122 can be closed, when the force of the
pressurized refrigerant from compressor 140 opens second inlet
valve 124. Similarly, when first inlet valve 122 is opened through
receipt of refrigerant from valve 110, second inlet valve 124 can
be closed. It is also possible and within the scope of the
invention that both first inlet valve 122 and second inlet valve
124 are partially opened at the same time and the refrigerant
traveling through both inlet valves (122 and 124) merges or
combines and enters a single outlet which serves as the inlet to
one way valve 150.
[0048] As seen in FIG. 1, water tank 100 also contains a pickup
radiator 180 acting as heat exchange coil which functions as part
of a separate chilled for heated) water system 175 of
air-conditioning (heat) for withdrawing (or adding) heat from (or
to) a dwelling or structure. through One or more radiators 190,
Pickup radiator 180 in water tank 100 and one more radiators 190
disposed throughout the dwelling can circulate anti-freeze/water by
Way of a pump 196, which can be electrically or mechanically
driven, The circulation of the water allows heat to be removed from
or added to (as desired) from the dwelling. The chilled (heated)
liquid or water system in the preferred embodiment is separate and
isolated from the storage medium liquid or water. One skilled in
the art would include a control, such as a thermostatic control, at
each dwelling coil controlling the cold water flow such that the
freezing point is not attained in these coils.
[0049] The present invention system can also be converted or
otherwise switch from solar air conditioner to solar heating. As
seen in FIG. 2, system 250, which can contain similar not shown
components as system 10, where a stand-alone (single) condenser 260
(FIG. 3) is used a bypass valve 270 (with associated pipe) can be
provided at condenser 260. It should be recognized that multiple
condensers, such as shown in FIG. 1, can also be used and each
condenser can be provided with a bypass valve and associated pipe.
By opening or otherwise engaging bypass valve 270 and electrically
withdrawing the controlling element of the electronic expansion
valve 90, the solar heated refrigerant is allowed to circulate
through evaporator 80, which heats the water or mixture in water
tank 100 by conduction. Generator 190, which can be commonly
connected to rotary valves 40 and/or 110, can be electrically
switched to function as a motor. The motor can drive rotary valves
40 and/or 110 to assure circulation of the heated refrigerant
through the refrigerant circuit.
[0050] Bypass valve 270 is shown in more detail in FIG. 4. A
housing 271 with inlet port 273 and outlet port 275 is shown.
Actuator solenoid 277 controlling a piston 279 dictates the travel
route of the refrigerant by opening or closing appropriate ports
depending if the system is being used for air conditioning or for
heating purposes. However, other types of bypass valves can be used
with the present invention system or circuit and are also
considered within the scope of the invention.
[0051] As the heat of the refrigerant has not been dissipated
through a condenser, the refrigerant warms water or mixture in tank
100, which in turn causes the liquid/water in pickup radiator 180
to be heated and then dispersed through system 175 by pump 196 as
described above.
[0052] As seen in FIG. 2, the present invention system can also be
complemented with solar electric panels 300 and battery 320.
Electricity derived from this sub-system can drive compressor 140.
The energy from concentrator(s) 20 and the solar electric can
compliment each other to drive the refrigerant within the circuit.
Additionally, at times of insufficient solar energy or battery
energy, power from a utility grid 370 can supply the energy to
drive compressor 140. A switching control 324 can he provided for
managing or controlling the various energy sources. Thus, the
various components help to drive compressor 140 when needed, which
can he considered, though not required, a supplement mode of
energy.
[0053] It should be recognized that various combinations of
concentrator(s), battery(ies), utility grid (conventional
electricity), solar panel(s), etc. can be used and all combinations
are considered within the scope of the invention. Thus, as
non-limiting examples, the complimentary system does not
necessarily preclude (1) a system which operates solely on energy
from solar concentrators, excluding solar electric; or (2) a system
which operates solely on solar electric panels, excluding solar
concentrators. Again, the above-described energy sources can be
used in various combinations or by themselves and all variations
are considered within the scope of the invention.
[0054] FIGS. 5 through 7 illustrate several embodiments for the
expansion valve component of the present invention. The primary
function of the expansion valve is to meter pressurized gas (high
side) into the evaporator (low side) allowing expansion of the gas
and corresponding heat absorption. Conventional expansion valves
operate with a constant known pressure. However, with the present
invention system it is preferred that the expansion valve operate
over a range of pressures as solar energy will vary. Thus,
different types of novel designs for the expansion valve can be
used and incorporated into the present invention system where the
expansion valve can be controlled according to pressures on the
high side and on the low side within the refrigerant circuit.
[0055] As seen in FIG. 5, an expansion valve 110 is shown and can
be controlled by sensing refrigerant which has been compressed to a
liquid state, and acting at that point to control the expansion
valve to open slightly to allow a greater flow and thus reducing
the pressure in the evaporator.
[0056] As seen in FIG. 6, an expansion valve 200 is shown and can
have a pressure sensing diaphragm 202 connected to a control
element 203 of expansion valve 200. The active chamber of the
diaphragm 202 can be connected to evaporator 80, such as, but not
limited to, through a suitable conduit (i.e. pipe 204). Diaphragm
202 can be connected to control element 203 through a leverage bar
205 and a spring 206. Spring 206 has increasing, tension with
compression. In operation, as gas pressure in the high side 207 of
the refrigerant circuit rises, valve control element 203 is raised
and thus overcoming the spring tension and allowing passage of the
refrigerant. As pressures begin to rise in the evaporator,
diaphragm 202 moves to close control element 203 and thus blocks or
limits passage of the refrigerant. As such, control element 203
meters the flow of has according to the pressure in the evaporator.
With even higher pressures diaphragm 202 limit will be reached and
spring tension will maintain the restrictive pressure on valve
control element 203. Spring 206 can be gradually increasing
pressure with compression.
[0057] As seen in FIG. 7, an expansion valve 350 is shown and
controls its control element 203 through the use of an electrically
drive linear motor 301. Control of valve element 203 is again
according to pressures within the refrigerant circuit and
particularly on the high side before expansion valve 300 and after
the valve within evaporator 80. Valve 300 can include an electrical
potentiometer combined with a mechanical pressure sensor and is
shown in FIG. 7 as a pressure diaphragm 302 with associated
potentiometer 303. As the circuit of FIG. 7 reacts to changing
pressure the wiper/arrow moves along the resistive element of the
potentiometer to vary the resistance.
[0058] Though in the preferred embodiment the chilled water system
can be an isolated closed system with a pickup coil in the water
tank, such is not considered limiting, it is also within the scope
of the invention to have the present invention operate with no
pickup coil within the tank. Such an alternative version could
operate circulating the storage medium water within the water
through the in-dwelling radiators.
[0059] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrates a rotary valve 400 that can be
used with the present invention system as such as valve 40 and/or
valve 110 shown in FIG. 1. Valve 400 comprises an outer cylindrical
valve body housing 402 having an inlet port 404 and an outlet port
406. Preferably, outlet port 406 can be preferably at least
one-hundred (100.degree.) degrees in direction of rotation from
inlet port 404 in a four (4) vane configuration and correspondingly
so with multiple vanes. An inner rotational cylinder 420 is
disposed within housing 402 and can be supported by a center
longitudinal shaft 422 offset from the center of outer housing 402.
A plurality of vanes 424 (preferably spring loaded) are fitted into
cylinder 420. Vanes 424 are disposed along the longitudinal axis of
cylinder 420 and preferably equally spaced from each other around
the circumference of cylinder 420. As seen in the FIG. 10, inner
cylinder support shaft 422 can extend beyond valve housing 402 such
that external appliances can be attached thereto. A portion of
cylinder 420 is flush against the inner wall of housing 402 such
that vane 424a is fully compressed. As a gap is created between the
portion of cylinder 420 associated with vane 424b and housing 402,
vane 424b protrudes outward from cylinder 420, in view of its
preferred spring loaded configuration.
[0060] Fundamental to the "refrigeration" or "heat pump" cycle is a
dissipation of the heat of compression. This is usually
accomplished by circulating the compressed refrigerant gas through
a finned, coil exposed to the atmosphere (i.e. a condenser coil).
It may be a large area condenser to dissipate heat by simple
conduction (FIG. 1, #30) or it may be smaller and compact with fan
forced air circulation (FIG. 3).
[0061] Another embodiment or method that can be used with the
present invention system is illustrated in FIG. 8, in this method,
condenser coil 30 may dissipate heat to water circulated over its
surface. The water can be drawn by a pump from an underground water
table. The underground water temperature can be approximately
twenty-five (25.degree. F) degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the
atmosphere. Other degree differences can also be selected and are
considered within the scope of the invention. Thus, the efficiency
of the heat dissipation and of the overall cooling is enhanced.
This method might circulate water from the water table.
Alternatively, water can be sprayed as a mist onto the condenser in
its own external evaporation cycle of liquid to gas.
[0062] It should be recognized that other concentrators can be used
with the present invention system and all are considered within the
scope of the invention. Certain examples of concentrators are
generally shown in the Figures but are not considered to limit the
types of concentrators that can be used and incorporated into the
present invention system.
[0063] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a dish concentrator 500
that can be used with the present invention system. FIG. 13 is a
partial cutaway perspective view of a ceramic coil pickup unit 502
of dish concentrator 500 illustrating the internal ceramic spiral
coil. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a solar receiver and
heat-engine housing collectively referenced at numeral 520. FIG. 15
illustrated a parabolic trough concentrator 530 and FIG. 16
illustrates a Fresnel lens concentrator 540.
[0064] The above-described and illustrated rotary positive
displacement valves provide a unique valve design which can be
advantageously optimized for the instant invention system. The
movement under pressure of a gas or liquid, such as, but not
limited to, a refrigerant in liquid or gas form, causes the
rotation of the valve. Preferably composed of four chambers in a
four vane version, each vane chamber successively is filled and
caused to rotate by the high side pressure on that chamber vane.
The chamber is then closed by the following vane and finally
emptied as such chamber is decreased in volume due to the preferred
offset center, the point of co-incidence of the inner cylinder
rotor and the vane and placement of the exit port. The valves of
the present invention are driven by the pressure of the heated gas.
Preferably, two valves are connected together, with the high side
and the low side all given stability to the refrigerant movement
through the circuit. In solar heat mode, the valves may be motor
driven to promote circulation of the heated refrigerant. The valves
do not compress in either the solar air conditioning mode or the
solar heat mode.
[0065] Thus in one embodiment, a rotational multi-vane positive
displacement valve is disclosed which can comprise: an outer
cylindrical valve body housing having an inlet port. and an outlet
port and an inner rotational cylinder disposed within the outer
cylindrical valve body housing and supported by a longitudinal
shaft offset from a center position of the outer housing. The inner
rotational cylinder can have a plurality of spring loaded vanes
along a substantial portion of its longitudinal axis that are
preferably equally spaced around a circumference of the inner
rotational cylinder. The outlet port can be located at least 100
degrees in direction of rotation from the inlet port, when the
inner cylinder has four vanes. The shaft preferably extends beyond
the outer valve housing and can be adapted for attachment to
external appliances.
[0066] Thus, summarizing the present invention provides a solar
air-conditioning system that is preferably designed to operate with
concentrated solar heat and uses a circulating refrigerant in a
cycle of compression and expansion. Solar concentrators raise the
temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The raised temperature
is dissipated to the atmosphere and the refrigerant proceeds to the
evaporator coil, which is located within a water tank containing at
least 1000 gallons of an anti-freeze water solution. As the water
is the storage medium, heat can be added to or extracted from the
storage medium by the evaporator coil. A radiator pickup coil is
also located within the water tank and is part of a separate
chilled water system which can circulate its own water supply
through other radiators located throughout a dwelling.
Additionally, one or more bypass valve(s) within the refrigerant
system allow switching to solar heating.
[0067] The above-described systems of the present invention can
also be used for or applicable to large area coolers or
refrigerators and provides a device which can provide refrigeration
to areas where electricity is not present or available.
[0068] As seen in FIG. 18 the second pickup coil 180 from earlier
embodiment has been eliminated at the bottom of tank 100. in
conjunction with water pump 196 and inlet 197, the tank water
itself is circulated throughout the dwelling associated with the
present invention system and then returned to tank 100 through
outlet 107.
[0069] The invention provides for cold (water) energy attributes
which can be used for efficient operation of a solar air
conditioning system. The present invention tank permits continued
operation of the solar air conditioning system even during periods
of intermittent solar energy, In a preferred embodiment, a large
quantity of water (1000 gallons or more) can be used, preferably
coupled with temperatures well below the freezing point
(anti-freeze mixture) of water to permit the operation of the solar
air-conditioning system well beyond the hours of available solar
energy. The temperature and quantity of the water can be designed
such that they become factors that affect the practical operation
of the entire solar air-conditioning system.
[0070] The present invention tank can use very low temperatures
preferably well below the freezing point of water. The below
freezing storage feature helps to prevent having to throttle back
to limit temperatures above freezing, which would mean not
efficiently using all of the solar energy available for the
operation of the solar air-conditioning system. The invention also
preferably uses an anti-freeze such that the water preferably never
reaches a frozen state. Therefore, so long as the refrigerant cycle
continues ever more BTUY's are stored for later use by the present
invention.
[0071] The invention can also use water in the secondary stem
(pickup radiator coil), Another benefit of the invention is that
water and anti freeze are relatively inexpensive and the tank
itself has a minimal complexity.
[0072] All measurements, dimensions, amounts, angles, values,
percentages, materials, degrees, product configuration,
orientations, product layout, component locations, sizes, number of
sections, number of components or items, etc, discussed above or
shown in the Figures are merely by way of example and are not
considered limiting and other measurements, dimensions, amounts,
angles, values, percentages, materials, degrees, product
configuration, orientations, product layout, component locations,
sizes, number of sections, number of components or items, etc, can
be chosen and used and all are considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0073] While the invention has been described and disclosed in
certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or
modifications, persons skilled in the art who have acquainted
themselves with the invention, will appreciate that it is not
necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments
and modifications disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of
alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced
without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rights to
such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within
the scope of the invention.
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